Council Meeting in Library Basement

Melbourne City Council

January 9, 2017

Melbourne City Council met in regular session on January 9, 2017 at the Melbourne Library basement. Council members present were C. White, Bunting, Juel , Stahl and Fuller. Also present were John White, Mary Pothast, David Gibbs and Sara Mechtel. Mayor White called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Attorney Greer joined at 7:07 pm. Motion made by Stahl to approve the consent agenda, 2nd by Fuller, vote was all ayes. In public comments, Mayor White discussed some information from Chief Hauser regarding the future of the police department. Due to his working as a full time officer in Toledo, Hauser’s time in Melbourne is limited. The other part time officer is not working hours and there needs to be a solution to coverage in Melbourne. Some options were given and the council will consider all options before discussing at next month’s meeting.

In new business Mayor White made appointments for 2017. Library director Sara Mechtel presented her budget request to the council for this upcoming fiscal year. There was a significant increase in the request due to the need to have the roof replaced. The current one is the original put on 20 years ago. She, the board and Friends of the Library are looking for grants and donation sources as well as fundraisers to help fund the project. There is money available in savings and a CD as well.

City clerk requested the approval to send postcards regarding water meter inspections to all residents. Wording was discussed and a timeline for completion. This could help cut down on the I&I in our wastewater system and water issues. Motion made by Fuller, 2nd by Juel. Vote was all ayes. Clerk requested some assistance with checking references for hiring a Financial Advisor. This is required by the SRF to obtain a loan for upcoming sewer project. Stahl and C. White offered to make calls.

Clerk gave information regarding 2 buildings being purchased by the rec board to: 1) store ice rink at Lollar Park, and 2) chair/table cart storage and pool equipment storage at the rec center. Using the money donated in December they were able to purchase both buildings for $6528. Placement of the buildings would be discussed with Fricke to work within the guidelines and allow for a fence at Lollar Park for a windbreak.

Contract for cleaning the water tower from Central Tank Coating was next. It is a 6 year contract at $1800 per inspection done on a 2 year schedule. Motion made by Fuller, 2nd by Bunting to approve contract. Vote was all ayes.

Water and sewer rate increase of 3% was discussed by council. Per city ordinance, a 3% increase is mandated annually. Clerk said increase will be $1.30 for a minimum bill or basically the price of purchasing a bottle of soda a month. Juel asked if the increases would ever end. Clerk replied that as long as costs keep rising, and sewer projects have to be done, that it could be ongoing. They will continue to evaluate on a yearly basis until the water fund is at a point where it could support 3-6 months’ worth of expenses. Motion by Stahl with 2nd by Bunting to approve Resolution 17-01-01 and 17-01-02. Vote was all ayes.

Request for donations from ACCESS and MICA. Since the funding in this line item has been earmarked for the housing repair project should we receive the grant, it was decided to deny the requests. Motion to deny made by Juel with 2nd by Stahl. Vote was all ayes.

Update regarding Bob Doe from Greer. No word from the judge. She will contact the court. Request from council to have her look into taking it to district court. Update on trailer court: the date has passed to have repairs done to #23 and have #24 removed. #24 is gone, Kohlwes said #23 will be completed by spring. Greer requested Hauser and Fricke inspect the trailer that is remaining as they were there when the gas leak/water leak was reported. Pictures need to be taken of progress and then a decision will be made.

Motion to adjourn made by C. White, 2nd by Stahl. Vote was all ayes. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

REVENUE: GENERAL 25323.94, ROAD USE 7759.16, EMP BENE 583.47, EMER 245.11, LOST FIRE 953.27, LOST 1ST REST 953.27, POOL 8002.34, LOST REC 25.57, LOST POL 1906.54, WATER 13,122.16, SEWER 16, 197.23. TOTAL: 75072.06

EXPENSE: GENERAL 24019.73, ROAD USE 1338.74, EMP BENE 1542.27, WATER 9878.72, SEWER 12,213.70. TOTAL: 48993.16.

Published prior to approval.